Use of Signals- Practical Guide

When it come to learning to drive, it is important to understand the use of signals. Communicating with other road users is crucial to being able to inform other road users of our intentions. Not communicating efficiently could have devastating consequences. Firstly, it is important to understand what signals the driver can use, and then the use of signals in our every day driving. Here is a breakdown of the signals that we use:

Direction Indicators (Indicators)

We signal our direction intention via the use of the direction indicators. We apply a signal right or left prior to turning right or left. Signals are part of the Mirror Signal Manoeuvre- and it is very important to use this signal in good time, correctly and only when it is necessary.

Occasions when a driver would use the direction indicator is as follows:

Turning left

Turning right

At T-junctions

Pulling away from the side of the road

Parking up on the left

Changing lanes on a dual carriageway

On the approach to a roundabout

On the exit of a roundabout

On the approach to a crossroads

Joining a dual carriageway from a slip road

Overtaking vehicles/cyclists

Other signals in the car include:

Break lights

Reverse lights

Hand signals

The horn

Each of the above forms of communication have their own uses in different elements of driving. We use break lights to inform following traffic of our action of slowing down. We use the horn to alert someone of our presence-usually somebody who isn’t looking in the driver’s direction. The driver may need to apply a hand signal during occasions where our direction indicators fail, and our reverse lights automatically are applied when we are in reverse gear.

The Use of Signals-Timing

It is very important to ensure the timing of any signal is correct. If the driver applies a signal too early, this could have consequences to other road users. For example: A driver signals left to park up on the left. However- the driver has done so, just before a side road on the left, where a car is waiting to emerge. This could confuse the driver waiting in the T-junction, and they may decide to emerge out of it due to a wrong signal.

Other occasions of timing of signals are:

Not cancelling a signal when exiting a roundabout.

Not cancelling a signal after turning left or right

Signalling too early on the approach to a roundabout/junction/side road

Not cancelling a signal after changing lanes on a motorway

The Use of Signals- Necessary signals

It is very important to only apply a signal if it is necessary. Sometimes unnecessary signals can cause the driver to become distracted, or over use of signals can cause wear and tear on such components of the car. There are plenty of examples of an unnecessary signals such as:

Signalling around parked cars

Signalling around bends

Signalling when the road only leads one way

Applying a signal whilst reversing

The Use of Signals- Correct signals

When learning to drive, it is always important to signal correctly. Are you turning left, and signalling left? Are you moving away from the side of the road and signalling right? Giving a correct signal is absolute necessary to communicate effectively with other road users of a driver’s intentions. A wrong signal could have damaging consequences. Here are examples of wrong signals:

Signalling right on a roundabout, but turning left

Not applying a signal on the approach to a roundabout when turning left or right

Flashing lights, when the horn is needed to grab another road-users intention